Transportation grant will save local districts money

Updated: Wednesday, August 27 2014, 05:52 PM EDT

WTOV9.comJEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio – Transportation in local school districts may see a change thanks to the Straight A Transportation grant initiative. Recently Ohio Governor John Kasich approved the $1.7 million grant that will benefit 20 school districts, including Steubenville, Bellaire, Martins Ferry, St. Clairsville and Toronto City Schools. "The purpose is for districts to work together and try to save money on transportation,” Toronto Superintendent Fred Burns said. “It was done with four different EFCs and one is Jefferson County and the lead district is Noble Local."The grant's transportation model will shorten transit times by creating shared service across school districts. "We also think with the Alternative School here in Steubenville, we may be able to get buses with more students on them and save money by having each district deliver those students," Burns said.The grant will also improve safety through electronic systems that will scan student ID cards as passengers board buses. The scanning system will be able to log important information about riders, such as emergency contacts and allergies.Burns said the buses will also include a built in GPS systems. The grant is projected to save close to $4 million among the 20 different school districts. There is not a set date for this project to start, but Burns expects planning to begin in 2015.

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